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Genoa Boat Show 2026, over 1,000 boats and 215 new products

Genoa Boat Show 2026 expands its superyacht, multihull, business and training offer from 1 to 6 October

The 66th Genoa Boat Show brings over 1,000 boats, 215 new products and representatives from 45 countries to Genoa

From 1 to 6 October, Genoa returns to the centre of the international boating industry with the 66th Genoa International Boat Show. The 2026 edition brings together more than 1,000 boats, 215 new products and representatives from 45 countries across five continents, while the in-water exhibition area has expanded by 4% compared with last year.

A changing market reshapes the Boat Show

One of the clearest trends in the 2026 edition is the growing presence of larger yachts. Occupancy of the Yachts & Superyachts marina is increasing, while the average size of the three largest units in each segment has risen by 14.1% compared with 2025.

Multihulls are also expanding their presence, with the number of units on display up by 28%. Together, the two figures reflect different but complementary developments in the market: greater representation at the high end and continued growth in catamarans and other multihull formats.

Living Made in Italy brings larger yachts to Genoa

A new Living Made in Italy area makes its debut on Quay H, developed with the support of the Italian Trade Agency. Dedicated to Italian-built yachts over 24 metres, it combines exhibition spaces, lounges and hospitality facilities.

The project has helped attract superyachts between 35 and 50 metres and is designed to place Italian yacht building in dialogue with other expressions of Made in Italy.

The Blue Arena opens boating to new audiences

Another major addition is the Blue Arena inside the new Palasport Pavilion. Developed by Confindustria Nautica and the Italian Trade Agency, the area will be free to enter and is intended to introduce recreational boating to people who may not normally engage with the sector.

Its five areas are Start Boating, Start-ups & Innovation, Training & Maritime Professions, World Sailing and Military Institutions. The programme covers first experiences with boating, professional training, innovation, sailing and the work of maritime institutions.

Younger visitors are a particular focus, supported by the Under-25 ticket and opportunities to discover the D1 boating licence, which can be obtained from the age of 16.

TechTrade Days strengthen the B2B programme

TechTrade Days return on 1 and 2 October as the Boat Show’s dedicated B2B format for marine equipment, components and technology. More than 400 specialised brands will take part, alongside over 4,000 invited professionals including shipyard purchasing managers, superyacht captains, yacht managers, refit operators, distributors and dealers.

The 2026 edition also introduces TECH SEMINARS, a new training and technology information programme hosted on the Upper Floor of the Blue Pavilion.

More international buyers for an export-driven industry

International business remains central to the Genoa Boat Show. The Italian Trade Agency has doubled down on its incoming programme, increasing the number of invited international buyers from 70 to 180.

Purchasers, importers, distributors and dealers will be joined by industry professionals and media representatives from a total of 35 countries, reinforcing the Show’s commercial role for an Italian industry with a strong international outlook.

FORUM26 explores technology, sustainability and skills

The programme begins ahead of the official opening with the presentation on 30 September of the latest edition of Boating in Figures, analysing the 2025 market.

During the six days of the Show, FORUM26 will address some of the issues shaping the industry’s competitiveness, including sustainability, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, taxation, the blue economy, nautical tourism, training and emerging professions.

The Design Innovation Award reaches its seventh edition

The winners of the seventh Design Innovation Award will be announced on 2 October. Established in 2020 by Confindustria Nautica and the Genoa International Boat Show, the award focuses on design and innovation across recreational boating.

The 2026 international jury is chaired by architect Paolo Brescia, co-founder of OBR - Open Building Research. Its approach considers design not only in terms of form, but also through the relationship between products, people, technology, the environment and the sea.

Genoa expands the Boat Show beyond the exhibition

The 2026 Genoa Boat Show extends beyond the display of boats. Alongside its industrial programme are cultural events, author meetings, sailing initiatives and a collaboration with the Teatro Nazionale di Genova.

The 66th edition therefore develops three dimensions at the same time: commercial activity through yachts, technology and international buyers; industrial dialogue between businesses and institutions; and a broader cultural programme intended to introduce new audiences to boating and the sea.

30 September 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
Genoa Boat Show 2026, over 1,000 boats and 215 new products
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